Briefly: Paul Simon, Andrew Hill, The Click Five, Russell Simmons
Art Garfunkel , James Taylor, Yolanda Adams and Marc Anthony are among the acts who have signed on for a May 23 concert that will pay tribute to singer/songwriter Paul Simon as he becomes the first-ever recipient of the Library of Congress' Gerswhin Prize for Popular Song.
Other acts on board for the event--which will take place at Washington, DC's Warner Theatre--includeDixie Hummingbirds, Jerry Douglas, Philip Glass, Alison Krauss, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lyle Lovett, Stephen Marley and Buckwheat Zydeco, according to a press release. Presenters include former poet laureate Billy Collins, sportscaster Bob Costas and "Saturday Night Live" producer Lorne Michaels.
A taped-for-broadcast version of the show will air June 27 on PBS, according to to organizers.
Jazz musician Andrew Hill died Monday of lung cancer at the age of 75, according to Blue Note Records. Hill, who released his Blue Note debut in 1963, was touted as "the next Thelonious Monk" by Blue Note founder Alfred Lion, according to a press release. Hill's recordings include "Point of Departure," "Black Fire," "Judgment!" and "Passing Ships." His final album, last year's "Time Lines," was dubbed the No. 1 album of the year by New York Times critic Ben Ratliff, according to Blue Note.
The Click Five have announced that 20-year-old singer/guitarist Kyle Patrick has taken over as the group's frontman, and will appear on the band's forthcoming album, "Modern Minds and Pastimes," which is due in stores Jun 26, according to a press release.
Produced by Mike Denneen (Fountains of Wayne, Aimee Mann), the album features the leadoff single "Jenny," which is currently available via Apple's iTunes Music Store. Plans are in the works for a "fan appreciation tour" that will launch in mid-May and will hit "intimate venues in a handful of markets to thank the band's loyal fans for their continued support." Details for the outing will be announced soon at the band's website.
Legendary hip-hop entrepreneur/Def Jam Records co-founder Russell Simmons on Tuesday (4/24) will release a new book titled "Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success."
- Artist Links:
U2, Springsteen to play Rock Hall 25th Anniversary shows [July 2009]
May's New Music DVD Releases: Elton John, Van Morrison, The Moody Blues [May 2009]
Art Garfunkel gets a head start on 2009 [October 2008]
Paul Simon lines up month-long residency in Brooklyn [January 2008]
Art Garfunkel confirms 2008 trek [December 2007]
Briefly: Treasure Island fest, T.I., CMA Awards, Paul Simon [June 2007]



































